Innovative research in regenerative therapies for heart failure through the InnovateUK Analysis for Innovators Programme.
National Measurement Laboratory (NML) scientists based at the Northern Cell Metrology Hub in Leeds, a partnership between the NML and the University of Leeds, have developed new technologies to tackle important challenges linked to regenerative therapy for heart failure. Working with an SME, HeartCells, and with funding support from the UKRI InnovateUK Analysis for Innovators program, they were able to standardise and improve the assessment of the quality and potential productivity of novel cell formulations that are subsequently used in patients undergoing groundbreaking cell therapy.
In addition to generating new intellectual property for HeartCells relating to improvements to the assessment technique (a novel assay), the team also generated a new validation report according to recognised international guidelines to demonstrate the quality of novel medicines and therapeutics (ICH Q2 (R2)). Having methods validated to International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines is a prerequisite to getting regulatory approval from authorities such as the MHRA, and the project has provided a big step towards this goal.
“This opportunity has allowed NML to collaborate with SMEs to support innovative technologies through validation and standardisation of flow cytometry methodologies. In addition, this project has also fostered good relationships between ourselves and HeartCells to pursue long-term partnerships.” – Jeanne Rivera, Cell Metrology Science Lead, NML
“The HeartCells Company is extremely pleased to have collaborated with NML on this project and are delighted with the outcome, which is a key component to the HeartCells plans for future clinical trial fundraising. HeartCells very much hopes to continue this relationship on future projects.” – Stephen James CEO HeartCells
Based on this work, further collaborations between HeartCells and the NML are being explored to develop a novel tool to predict outcomes in heart failure patients receiving autologous cell therapy. This tool will help commercialise the cell product and shorten the path to market.
Could the Analysis for Innovators programme help your company?
The National Measurement Laboratory is a founding partner of the Analysis for Innovators programme and provides companies with access to their state-of-the-art measurement and analytical capabilities, helping them to address complex challenges in innovative ways, boosting their competitiveness and productivity. You can learn more about the analysis for innovators programme here.